A/N: Here is a little Labor Day treat aka an early post. Thank you for all the reviews! I read each and every single one. :) Let me know what you think of this chapter!

Under Pressure by Queen

"Pressure pushing down on me
Pressing down on you no man ask for…

It's the terror of knowing
What the world is about
Watching some good friends
Screaming 'Let me out'
Pray tomorrow gets me higher"

Defining Moments

Chapter 9: Mission - Bombshell

Quinn's POV

Finding Stephanie Plum is easy. A quick look-up in the database and I have her address which I had for quite some time. Instead of running into her at one of her normal hang out spots, I figure the best place to start is with her investigation. I know she usually goes to her FTA's last known address so I might as well meet her there. It'd also be nice to catch her off guard and see how she works under pressure. I have a good feeling about her, which I should, after a year of investigating.

I park on the street across from Ian Mahoney's townhouse in my FBI issued blue Chevrolet. The windows are tinted so dark no one can see in, but I still can see everything going on outside. She parks a few blocks down which is smart. I watch as she struggles to get out of her car and then walks up the street. She only looks a little conspicuous with her looking around like she's doing something she shouldn't be. She then lets herself into the backyard. Well…breaking and entering isn't under my jurisdiction so I won't bust her for it, and she's not on the payroll yet so it's not a breach of protocol. I get out of the sedan and quietly close the door before heading to where she has gone in the house. I like that there's a fence to block prying eyes. I stand and wait in the backyard.

I see her coming out leisurely and quietly. She closes the door and turns to face me. She jumps back, surprise evident on her face. I know I catch her off guard. I study her as she studies me. She's much more attractive up close and in person than in the photos. She's wearing form-fitting jeans and a blue v-neck t-shirt. After questioning her on the B&E, I threaten to call Ian himself. Not that I would ever do that, but she doesn't have to know. I just want to see what she will do in this situation. I'm surprised by her when she encourages me to call Ian. She doesn't back down so I'm forced to. I feel a new found respect for her.

Once I explain things to her, she agrees to come with me for lunch. I take her to a diner I saw on my way into town. It's a Mom & Pop establishment called Thunderbird. The waitresses here wear old-fashioned uniforms, and there are only 4 booths and the bar to eat at. Stephanie and I get a booth where we have a staring competition before the waitress interrupts us. I'm surprised by her order and wonder how she can manage to eat all that and still be in shape. Of course, I had heard things about her appetite, but I always thought it was exaggerated. I'm finally able to explain to her what the FBI is doing interested in her and that we want to recruit her. I knew she would be shocked, but I never expected her to doubt herself as much as she does. I'm definitely going to have to help my partner realize her potential and stop doubting herself.

After a few hours with her, I'm certain I made the right choice when I decided to look into Stephanie Michelle Plum. I can tell she has a lot to work on, but she's already got a solid base. From what her family and friends said last year (I had pretended to be a reporter for some), her mother always ragged on her and so did her boyfriend Joe Morelli. They seemed to tear down her self-esteem, but that never stopped her from getting her man. I think with the right encouragement she'll be an unstoppable force. I already had one screwed up partner, and I don't need another.

I think back to the beginning of my research on Stephanie Plum. Who knew it would take a whole year for me to actually get to recruit and talk to her? I'm just sorry I can't tell her my sources. I'm not supposed to divulge who I interviewed and neither are the interviewees. In fact, they had to sign sworn documents saying they wouldn't tell anyone about the interview. Although for most of the gossip mongers saying I was a reporter worked like a charm, and they never knew I really wasn't who I said I was.

I know I shouldn't be surprised, but after going over our information on the case, I'm surprised that she has already gathered so much on the Bianchi's when she just got the file a few days ago. She also caught the credit card activity by Sarah. I had basic information, but more in-depth on the whole Bianchi family, not just on Ian. I think her more concentrated approach will end up working better for us. She also has a lot of local contacts we can use in this situation.

1 Year Ago

"Sir, are you sure about this? I mean according to the papers she's a disaster," I say, throwing the latest Bombshell the Bounty Hunter headline article onto his desk. He's sitting behind his desk on the top floor of the building.

"You wanted her initially," he says slowly before picking up the article, "I thought you said she was capable." I chew on my lip. I do believe she is capable. A few months ago a newbie bounty hunter named Stephanie Plum popped up on my radar. It seemed she has the ability to figure out any case out and befriend the least likely of people. I'd done a little research on her, but now it's my name on the line. My boss told me to look into her after I brought her to the Bureau's attention.

After the last clusterfuck of a case where I lost my partner, I want someone who is good at their job and unwavering in doing the right thing. I take a deep sigh. I have to believe my original instinct is right.

"Yes sir, she is. Permission to start the detailed interviews of family and friends?" I question ready to start doing the work so she could join the Bureau…if she'll accept. He nods.

"Since this is an unusual case you'll have to do it on your own time," he explains, "I'd start with Joseph Juniak, Mayor of Trenton. He's a personal friend of mine and happens to be Plum's uncle." I nod. Doing these interviews is just preliminary and in no way a sure bet that she'll be let on at the Bureau.

"Get me all the files when you've concluded your findings," Deputy Director Booth says as a dismissal. I nod and head out the door.

I've been working with the FBI for the past eight years. I became an agent because my dad was one and it has always been my life-long dream. I studied Criminal Justice at Rutgers and once I was old enough I applied to the Bureau. My first year in as a rookie agent, my dad collapsed and died of an undiagnosed heart condition. It was hell, but my sister, my ma, and I survived. I continued being an agent and my mom continued her work as an ER nurse but she moved to New Jersey to be closer to her family. She's planning to retire next year. My sister Tess went to Princeton and now is in Japan teaching. I try talking to her every week.

I originally started in the White-Collar crime division, but after being in the Bureau for three years I transferred to the Violent Crime division. It was a big change and where I met my partner Anna. We didn't get along at first. She had been doing violent crime her whole time in the Bureau. We eventually became friends and had a relationship the higher-ups would have frowned upon if they'd known about. It eventually turned out that Anna was obsessed with the murder of her mother and figured out who did it using Bureau resources. She went to confront the guy who did it and killed him, but not before he shot her too. She had no backup and no one found her body for three days. Those three days were some of the worst in my life. It scared me that I thought I knew her, and she had hidden everything from me.

After that debacle, I talked with the Deputy Director and he moved me to Organized Crime. It's been nice, but I've put a lot of people into Witness Protection. In return, I've gotten a lot of testimonies and put away different "family" members. It's hard to cut the head off the snake. It's been an adjustment, but not too hard. Stephanie Plum would be the ideal partner since she has a lot of connections. I'm from New York originally, and I don't have the resources in Jersey like she does. Plus, her capture rate is one-hundred percent and after my unlucky year, I could use something good.

11 Months Ago

"Mr. Juniak," I greet with a handshake. Joe Juniak is the mayor of Trenton. I'm meeting with him after Booth told me to. He's the first in-person interview I'm conducting. It turns out he's also Stephanie's uncle. I think he'll be able to give him me a good idea about her in both a personal and professional capacity.

"Nice to meet you Special Agent Quinn," he says with a smile. I can see the politician in him, but he doesn't smell of corruption like some of the others I've met.

"I take it Deputy Director Booth told you I'd be coming," I say as we both sit down. His office is not big or small with a big oak desk and two oak bookshelves behind him.

"He did and he already sent down the confidentiality paperwork so we're all set here. No one in this city will know about this conversation," he says leaning back in his brown leather chair.

"Good, it's imperative we keep this down. I'm just doing preliminary work now and there's no guarantee she'll even be accepted into the agency," I reply grabbing my recorder. I turn it on and we begin the interview.

"I've known Stephanie since she was little," he starts with a smile, "she was always a strong-willed little girl. She never bought into that housewife stuff her mother tried shoving down her throat. I know her bounty hunting methods are not…orthodox shall we say, but she always gets her man. She seems to see leads and puts clues together when no one else does." I can tell he cares deeply about her.

"Her mother has always been vocal about her dislike of the job, but I know she loves her daughter. Helen just doesn't understand her. I was in the Army with her father Frank, we were best friends and I eventually married his sister. He's very proud of his daughter for following her heart instead of conforming to the Burg. I'm pretty proud too. I always knew she'd do more than get married and pop out babies."

We talk for about thirty more minutes. I can tell he has a great respect for his niece even though she makes the news often, and not in a good light. He assures me that the press only ever seems to make it seem like her fault when she stumbles into the problems.

XXX

"What can you tell me about Stephanie Plum?" I question the curly redhead standing near the scene. She's wearing skin-tight leather pants, a red top that does little to hide the cleavage peeking out. She looks me up and down before smiling.

"Now why would you want to know about that idiot?" she asks in a sickening voice. She steps closer to me, and I step back involuntarily.

"I'm uh…doing a news article on her," I say grabbing the recorder out of my pocket. She licks her lips.

"You're awfully cute to be a reporter doing a story on some klutz who isn't even pretty," she replies coming closer. Obviously ignoring my subtle hints to get farther away from her.

"From what I hear she always gets her man," I counter. She huffs and rolls her eyes before putting a hand on her hip.

"Stephanie Plum just uses dumb luck," she explains, "she's not even good in bed. Ask her ex-husband." She smirks now. I feel annoyed by her comments. I know the stories. I've heard Joyce Barnhardt has always had it out for Stephanie Plum, and I just wanted to see if there was a basis for it. Now I realize that she's just jealous. She's also obviously had surgery and is just looking for the next thing to pay her bills.

XXX

"You two work closely with Stephanie," I start, "what can you tell me about her?" I'm staring at Lula Johnson and Connie Rosolli. They both have worked with Stephanie for the past three years. I've heard some of the stories, but there's nothing like hearing it right from the source. I was able to get them to cooperate by offering lunch. I was also surprised by how hard I had to convince them it was going to be a good piece and not one just picking her apart. I can tell they're fiercely loyal and don't want anything bad written about their friend. Lula shifts uneasily in the booth across from me.

"Listen 'ear," she starts wringing her hands, "I'mma tell you how we met, but you gotta promise to keep the details out the paper. Only good stuff, remember?" I nod. I spend the next hour and a half listening to them tell me stories of their friend. They only have good things to say about her other than they wish she would get more training.

XXX

"Yeah she's cool man," the man says, "she's like fucking awesome. Aw shit." He snaps the rubber band on his arm twice. "Aw fuck, that shit hurts. Fudge man." He snaps the band two more times. I'm currently sitting across from Salvatore Sweet aka Sally Sweet. A unique friend Stephanie met when he was FTA, but he also helped her when she was cornered by a gang.

"I totally got a kick outta helping her solve those puzzles and she always came with Lula to support my band," he continues, "plus ya know I saved her life once." I nod and continue talking to the cross-dresser who tries not to curse.

XXX

"Why do you want information on Stephanie?" the cop asks with his lips in a thin line and his brown eyes looking hard. He's got the hard-ass cop face down to a T. I hold out my FBI issued fake press badge.

"I'm doing a piece on her for the Times of Trenton," I explain with what I hope is a reassuring smile. The man sighs and runs a hand through his hair. His jaw clenches and he takes a deep breath.

"Well, she's my girlfriend for starters. I've known her since she was six. She's been bounty hunting for a few years," he explains before lifting his arm and scratching the back of his head. "She's got a good intuition but her tactics give me heartburn. I'd prefer if she'd get a different job." I can see the half-empty bottle of Maalox sitting on his desk. From the rumors, he's a good cop with a wild streak. He's a lady's man. I found out he was her first FTA, and she helped clear his name. As we continue talking I can't help but feel that he underestimates her.

XXX

I press the red button on the black speaker box. Static comes through before one word, "Speak."

"Hi, uh, my name is Kent Jackson from the Times of Trenton," I say hoping I'll get to talk to the boss. "I'm hoping to speak with Ricardo Mañoso for a piece I'm doing." I'm surprised when the gate opens. I walk inside and see a fleet of black vehicles. My attention is drawn to the left where an elevator opens. Two men step off. One is thin and wiry with long hair pulled back, and I can make out a teardrop on his face. The other one is tall and well built. His hair is pulled back into a shorter ponytail. Both are Latino, dressed in all black and carrying weapons. I feel naked without my service weapon, but reporters don't carry guns. The tall one strides over to me. I notice a name, RangeMan, embroidered over the left breast. He has an earring sparkling in one lobe.

"What do you want?" he questions in a voice of authority. I swallow thickly, feeling intimidated. I haven't felt intimidated in a long time.

"I just have a few questions," I say getting the feeling that I won't get much from this man. I didn't expect to, not with the reputation he has. I've heard he claims Stephanie as his woman on the street. Very interesting. I also did a background check on him. He has a lot of sealed, classified files but he has gotten many medals and awards from the Army. He studies me and quirks an eyebrow.

"You can ask, but I don't guarantee answers." I nod and try to discreetly turn on the recorder. I notice his eyes follow my movements.

"Can you tell me about Stephanie Plum? I'm writing an article for the Times of Trenton," I explain hoping that he'll give me something. I can't read any of this guy's emotions. The other just stands in the background, watching the both of us.

"She works here part-time sometimes," he says before pausing, "otherwise you'll have to ask her yourself." He turns and walks to the elevator. He stops briefly to say something to the other man. The wiry one nods and Mañoso gets into the elevator. The wiry one stays and walks over to me. He basically pushes me out of the garage and watches me as the gate closes. Well, that was helpful.

5 Months Ago

After completing all of the field investigative work the past couple months I've finally gotten enough files sufficiently full for approval. I ended up not talking to her direct family and sent in another agent for that, but I read his full reports. I head up to Deputy Director Booth's office to hand them to him. He's on the fifth floor in a medium-sized office with a good view over the river. I knock twice and hear him call for me to enter. I head in and see him taking a drink from his coffee mug. I head in and take a seat in front of him.

"What do you have for me, Quinn?" he asks giving me his full attention. Booth is about fifty and is well-known for his work in the Bureau back in the day. He's put a lot of bad guys away in his time and now he directs other agents to.

"I have all of the interviews documented, and the statement I wrote about what I think about her," I reply, handing him a stack of papers. He takes them and places them in the center of his desk.

"I want to hear what you think," he says inviting me to tell him my findings. I sit back and cross my legs.

"She's an interesting woman," I start, not even sure that covers a fourth of the person Stephanie Michelle Plum is. Honestly, I think I barely scratched the surface when I did interviews with people who know her.

"She has a lot of people who say she has little to no training, but everyone says she always gets her man," I continue, "she inspires loyalty in an unlikely set of people. She has a few people who had bad things to say about her, but my feelings are they're just jealous. Her family thinks she needs a new profession, but I could tell they're proud of her anyways." He nods.

"Sounds pretty solid," Booth says, "I look forward to going through everything." I nod.

"I think you'll be impressed," I reply, "especially since she has no training. I think once she does, she'll be unstoppable." He nods.

"I have one other person I think you should talk to," he says opening a drawer and pulling out a notebook, "He actually called soon after she popped up on your radar which is one of the reasons I let you do it." He opens the book and scribbles something on a card. My brow furrows. I'm surprised he has someone else he wants me to talk to when I've concluded my investigation. He hands me the white card.

"Go now," he tells me with a small smile, "we'll talk tomorrow." I nod, feeling confused and brushed off. I look down at the card and see it's just a name and number. The name is Mr. Jones. Jeez, I don't even have a first name to go off of. I wonder why the Deputy Director thinks hearing from him is important. I guess I may not have even had an investigation without this guy. I wonder what he could have said to persuade Booth?

I head down to one of the small rooms used for meetings. I flip the card over in my fingers. I guess I'll give Mr. Jones a call and see what he has to say about Stephanie. I take a seat after I turn on the light and shut the door. It's odd that he didn't give me a first name or any information on this guy really. I shrug and dial the number. It rings four times before someone answers. I hear nothing.

"Hello, is this Mr. Jones?" I ask uncertainly. I hear some shuffling on the other line.

"Who's asking?" a gruff low voice replies over the phone. Doesn't sound like a friendly voice, but Deputy Director Booth told me to call.

"Special Agent Rivers from the Newark field office," I reply, "Deputy Director Booth told me to call and ask you about Stephanie Plum?" I say the last part in a question. I hear a low chuckle.

"I was expecting this," the voice replies. It's a little unnerving that he seems to know more than me about this. I clear my throat.

"So…uh…what can you tell me about her?" I ask hesitantly as I uncap a pen. I don't know why I feel like such a newbie on this phone call. He chuckles, and I have the acute feeling he can tell how uncomfortable I am.

"I've known her for a while. At first, I thought she was just some stuck up white girl, but to be honest I didn't know her then," the voice says sounding thoughtful, "She's tougher than she looks, has a heart of gold, and will do anything to help the people she loves. I've been in the Army with guys less loyal than Steph." I'm blown away by the description. Not many people can have someone with an Army background say such good things about them.

"She also has an uncanny knack for getting into trouble and finding people," he continues, his voice softer as he describes her, "She could use training, but the raw skills are there."

"Wow, that's quite a description," I say realizing my gut instincts about her were right. I knew after most of the interviews that she'd be right for the job.

"How would you classify your relationship with Ms. Plum?" I question as I start drawing a little square on the paper. The man chuckles again.

"It's professional although she doesn't like accepting help very often," he responds and it makes me wonder about the man I have on the phone. I never met anyone in Trenton with the last name Jones.

"Mr. Jones, what is it that you do?" I ask trying to get clarity on this whole thing.

"I thought you were just calling about Ms. Plum?" he says his tone much more closed off now. I sigh.

"I'm just trying to get an understanding of who is vouching for her. Booth didn't tell me anything, just gave me your card, Mr. Jones," I explain hoping that my honesty will get him talking.

"Have Booth giving you my information vouches for me," he responds, totally closed off.

"Mr. Jones please," I say hoping for something.

"For future reference," he says before pausing, "call me Tank." And the line goes dead. I sigh, well at least I have a character statement albeit from a guy who calls himself Tank.